Jubilee 2000 Committee

On November 10, 1994 Pope John Paul II announced the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 in his Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio Adveniente (The Third Millennium is Coming.") The Letter outlines the themes for each of the three years leading up to the third millennium, the first year, 1997 focused on Jesus Christ, Redeemer and Lord; the second year, 1988, focused on the actions of the Holy Spirit; and the third year, 1999, focused on God as Father.

Preparations for this event were carried out at a number of levels locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. A national committee was established by the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, to coordinate information about suggestion for projects (originating in Rome, other Episcopal Conferences, dioceses in Canada, and elsewhere) and to share with the Bishops of Canada and their respective diocesan committees.

In Edmonton, a Jubilee 2000 Committee was formed. Rev. George Smith, CSB was appointed the chair other members included Darlene Jenson, Lloyd Baumgarten, George Smith, Cathy Harvey, Patrick Maguire, Rev. Mike McCaffery, Stefan Michniewski, Peter Murray, Sister Connie Piska UJ, Rev. Donald Stein, Anne Marie Venne, Rev. Stephen Wojcichowsky, and Rev. Donald MacDonald, OFM.

The committee organized a variety events including Assembly 2000, held at the Shaw Conference Center. This event provided an opportunity for renewal of faith through education, prayer, workshop, reflection and dialogue. Various speakers were asked to prepare presentations and workshops including Archbishop John Quinn, Thomas Groome, Sr. Eileen Schuller, OSU, Archbishop Thomas Collins, Rev. Sylvain Casavant, Sr. Mary Lou Cranston, CND, Rev. Corbin Eddy and many others.

In addition, a variety of ecumenical events were organized at locations throughout Edmonton including King's College, St. Joseph's College, and Newman Theological College.